GRAHAM — General public fares will be reduced for Alamance County Transit Authority patrons beginning March 1.

In addition, public trips to destinations like grocery stores, which had been eliminated, are being restored.

ACTA Director Dennis Williams said on Thursday the fares will be reduced from $9 to $5 each way for general public trips beginning next month. All other fares will remain the same for Dial-A-Ride and Elderly and Disabled Transportation Assistance. Dial-A-Ride fares are currently $5 each way, while Elderly and Disabled Transportation Assistance fares are $5 each way.

ACTA increased its general public, Dial-A-Ride and Elderly and Disabled Transportation Assistance fares in 2012 to help offset an $80,000 budget deficit. The general public fare was $7 in January 2012 before it was increased to $9. Beginning March 1, the general public fare will be two dollars less than what it was before last year’s increase.

Additional funding from the state and local municipalities for 2012-13 has allowed ACTA to restore all of the services it cut last summer and move to reduce the general public fares beginning in March.

Williams said ACTA had reduced general public trips to medical appointments in 2012. All restrictions on general public trips have been lifted and includes trips again to the grocery store and other local destinations.

The ACTA board approved the fare reduction for the general public during a meeting on Wednesday. Williams said the local municipalities’ contribution of $48,300 and $55,000 provided from additional state funding has allowed the reduction in general public fares and return to full service.

Williams said ACTA will likely have a $50,000 budget surplus by June 30. The surplus funds will be used to make a 10 percent down payment to purchase seven new ACTA vehicles in 2013-14. Williams said the down payment will be about $35,000. ACTA’s vehicle fleet hasn’t been upgraded in three years.

Since 2002, ACTA has provided transportation for the elderly, disabled, and general public in Alamance County using vans and buses that are accessible by those with disabilities.